On Saturday, May 1^st from 1-4 PM (registration begins at 12:30) The Wellness Initiative (TWI) is hosting its first annual Yogathon at Boulder High School.

Imagine a gym filled with 200 people being guided through 108 sun salutations (surya namaskara) and the steady, rhythmic sound of movement, filling the gym at Boulder High School. Around the corner, children are engaged in fun, educational yoga-based activities while local Boulder companies, provide delicious and healthy snacks.

Led by some of Colorado’s most amazing yoga instructors, including Richard Freeman, Trista Hollerbach, Matt Kapinus, Jeanie Manchester and Tina Aisner Porter—adults and teens will complete up to 108 sun salutations.

Children (ages 5-12) are welcome to attend and participate in the “Yoga Safari,” during which certified instructors will offer fun, challenging and safe yoga activities (music, games, stories, and more).

As Boulder is a powerful community, that loves to give back, we have numerous local sponsors attending and offering healthy snacks, yummy drinks, and other treats. Our sponsors include Arabesque, Bob’s Oat  Bars, Bodywork Bistro (free chair massages), Conscious Coffees, High Country Kombucha (free Kombucha on tap), Justin’s, Pekoe Sip House, Two Moms in the Raw, Ideal Market, and more.

How To Register and Contribute:

To register and join the fun, click here. Registration is only $20 (for each adult or child) through Friday, April 23^rd; after Friday it goes up to $35. You can participate as an individual and/or with a team. We ask each individual participant or family to try to raise a $108 in pledges, which is made easy through our registration system, but it is not required. You can see my Yogathon fundraising page for more info.

Growing up with yoga and meditation in my family, I can directly attest to the benefit of yoga and wellness when infused in a child’s life. All proceeds from the Yogathon will support The Wellness Initiative’s programs in low-income schools in Colorado.

What Is the Wellness Initiative?

The Wellness Initiative is a Boulder-based non-profit, founded in 2006, to deliver secular wellness programs to K-12 students in Colorado. The mission of TWI is to improve the physical health, social and emotional development, and academic performance of low-income youth through yoga-based wellness programs.

During the 2009-2010 school year, TWI will serve 1,700 students and 300 classroom teachers in 18 schools.

For more information, please feel free to e-mail:

Grace Boyle: volunteer, yogathon registrant, yoga-lover and social media aficionado.

OR

Mara Rose: The Wellness Initiative’s Executive Director.

Or visit www.wellnessinitiative.org.